The Yamaha XSR155 Isnt What You Think : 6 Things No One Tells You

If you’re a bike enthusiast who loves that old-school retro vibe, the Yamaha XSR155 has probably caught your eye. But hang on don’t decide just by its looks. In my ten years of riding and reviewing bikes in India, I’ve seen this pattern far too often: the bike that looks perfect in the showroom ends up becoming a headache in the service center. So let’s talk real here are six things you should definitely know before you buy it.

The design is stunning but not for everyone

Visually, it’s a charmer round headlamp, tuck-and-roll seat, metallic fuel tank, and a proper retro stance. But honestly, not everyone will vibe with it. Some people find it “too old-school.” One of my friends even joked, “Bro, this isn’t a bike, it’s a vintage radio on wheels!” Still, if you’re into that blend of retro and modern, the XSR155 has a design that’ll steal your heart.
 

The engine is reliable, but a little pricey to live with

It carries the same 155cc VVA engine from the Yamaha R15 smooth, refined, but slightly on the expensive side when it comes to maintenance. I’ve owned an R15 V3 myself for three years. Brilliant engine, but even minor services tend to dig into your pocket. Expect a mileage of around 45–48 kmpl in the city, but push it hard on highways and it can dip below 40.

Comfort is decent until you ask the pillion

For solo rides, the suspension balance feels spot-on. But the moment someone hops on behind you, things get a little stiff. I tested the XSR on Gurugram’s bumpy roads for me, the ride was fun; for the pillion, not so much. The poor guy kept asking, “Bhai, doesn’t this thing have a softer suspension?” So yeah, if you often ride with someone, keep that in mind.
 

Features are okay, but feel a bit dated

Yamaha kept the feature list simple to preserve its old-school character. You get a digital console, but no Bluetooth connectivity. And in 2025, even ₹1 lakh commuter bikes come with turn-by-turn navigation and smartphone alerts. So yes, it’s got the classic look, but the tech feels a little behind the curve.
 

The price and positioning don’t make full sense

Now, the tricky part price. The Yamaha XSR155 costs around ₹1.7 lakh (ex-showroom), which is actually more expensive than the MT-15. So, is it worth paying extra just for that retro style? My honest take: if you want the same R15/MT15 performance wrapped in a vintage look, sure, go for it. But otherwise, there are better all-rounders in the same price bracket.

Service and parts the same old Yamaha story

This is where Yamaha still hasn’t improved much. Spare parts can take time to arrive. I remember back when I owned a Fazer 150 even a simple clutch cable took three days to come in. The XSR155, being a premium model, won’t be any cheaper or quicker on that front. Plus, not every local mechanic is comfortable opening it up because of the compact Yamaha layout.
 

The straight talk should you buy it?

The Yamaha XSR155 is a soulful motorcycle stylish, refined, and with a strong personality. But it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. If you want something for weekend rides, with character and solid reliability, this could be your pick. But if you’re after daily practicality and pillion comfort, the MT-15 or TVS Apache RTR 200 might make more sense.